The top 10 3D platformers on PS4 & PS5

For some reason, there seems to be a shortage of 3D platform games being developed for modern systems like the PlayStation 4 and 5. Whether they are considered too ambitious for many indie developers or larger publishers are unwilling to invest in a genre that many believed had reached its peak around the turn of the millennium, searching for 3D platform games on the PS4 and PS5 can feel like longing for water in the desert.

Fortunately, there are undeniably great 3D platform games that have been released on Sony's current and previous console generations. From classic series making triumphant comebacks to new titles asserting their place in this genre, there is no shortage of unforgettable platform games on the PS4 and PS5 that venture into the third dimension.

10 Yooka-Laylee

Depending on who you ask, Yooka-Laylee was either a nostalgic homage to the glorious years of 3D platformers or a disappointing reminder of the genre's least enduring aspects. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between, but that doesn't mean this game should be completely dismissed.

Playtonic Games has enriched Yooka-Laylee with so much love and creativity that even if the camera goes crazy or the level design isn't as tight as some classics, there is always something charming waiting to fully immerse you in this wonderfully imaginative world.

9 Tearaway Unfolded

When it comes to wonderfully imaginative, there are few video game worlds that are as dedicated to their aesthetics as Tearaway Unfolded. Every artisanal detail that makes up the appearance and design of this game feels wonderfully rich and tangible, making you want to reach into the TV screen and play with the material yourself.

Of course, that's not possible, so you have to settle for playing the actual game. Fortunately, Tearaway Unfolded ingeniously utilizes the DualShock 4 controller, creating a unique platforming experience that will stay with you for a long time.

8 New Super Lucky’s Tale

New Super Lucky's Tale is not set on reinventing the wheel or completely overhauling the fundamental principles of the 3D platformer. Instead, it is more than content to be an extremely competent contribution to this genre, with a cast of quirky characters, an interesting world to explore, and buttery-smooth controls.

Most importantly, this semi-remade version of the original Super Lucky's Tale irons out some of the most frustrating flaws of the game - notably, a significantly improved camera work and additional polish in all levels. New Super Lucky's Tale is pure feel-good fun, but what's wrong with that?

7 Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Sackboy: A Big Adventure breathed new life into the LittleBigPlanet series by fully embracing the third dimension. This change in perspective opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the game, with a strong emphasis on multiplayer mode.

Teaming up with up to three friends to play Sackboy: A Big Adventure together remains one of the best cooperative multiplayer experiences on PS4 and PS5. The game even offers specific levels designed specifically for multiple players to join forces.

6 A Hat In Time

A Hat in Time reminds in the best way possible of classic 3D platformers like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. The large, open levels practically invite exploration and are intertwined with collectibles and platforming challenges that can be effortlessly tackled with the game's extensive movement repertoire.

It is clear that A Hat in Time was developed by mega-fans of the genre. The non-linear exploration of the game is strengthened by the admirable desire to continuously diversify the gameplay and environments, creating an experience that deserves a tip of the hat.

5 Astro’s Playroom

Astro's Playroom is pre-installed on every PS5 console and serves as a wonderfully crafted introduction to the new generation of gaming. The game is not only a great 3D platformer and an excellent showcase of the DualSense controller's capabilities but also perhaps the greatest celebration of PlayStation history to date.

If Astro's Playroom is held back by anything, it's the fact that there isn't more of it. However, the game overcomes its short duration solely by the fact that it doesn't waste a second impressing with its groundbreaking design.

4 Spyro Reignited Trilogy

The Spyro the Dragon trilogy formed one of the cornerstones of the original PlayStation catalog, so it's only logical that the remakes of the games on PS4 and PS5 are a must-have. Almost every change made to these classic games enhances the overall experience, providing the definitive opportunity to play the most beloved Spyro games.

The visual effects are simply breathtaking, the gameplay is faster than ever before, and the developers have gone to great lengths to modernize these classics for newer consoles.

3 Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

When we talk about iconic PlayStation 3D platformers, there are few more iconic than Crash Bandicoot. After years of disappointing sequels and failed spin-offs, the series finally returned to form with the excellent and aptly titled Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time.

This fourth main installment of the series showcases Crash and his friends jumping between multiverses to defeat the evil Doctor Neo Cortex. This story of dimension hopping lends itself perfectly to imaginative levels and some of the best platforming sequences the series has ever seen.

2 Psychonauts 2

It was never certain if there would ever be a Psychonauts 2, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Schafer's cult classic 3D platformer. Fortunately, the years of longing have paid off, as Psychonauts 2 is just as creatively charged and undeniably funny as the original.

The levels of the game take place within the minds of different characters, with the obstacles and design influenced by the battles, thoughts, and dreams of that individual. The game is bursting with creative ideas and constantly strives to surpass its own brilliance.

1 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank made the leap into the PS5 generation with this captivating installment that fully harnesses the advanced technical capabilities of the system. Every frame of this game is breathtaking to behold, and the selection of planets is possibly the strongest in the series to date.

And that's not even mentioning the exciting gameplay or the heartwarming story that introduces beloved characters like Rivet, Kit, and Emperor Nefarious. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is one of the most complete 3D platformers of recent years and promises a promising future for a genre that has been in the shadows for too long.